Admittedly, I’ve been not-so-quietly wishing for an end to winter for several weeks now. I’ve grumbled about the layer of grime on my car, the bitter wind in my face, and the constant chill that has kept me trapped indoors. I’ve tried to keep my spirits high, though, with thoughts of Spring. You know – trees returning to their gorgeous green, grass that needs to be cut, shedding the sweater for a comfortable t-shirt? And while most of my visions have been of bright, sunny days in the 60s and 70s, I’ve even dreamt of a pleasant spring shower or two. But now, I might be reconsidering. You know the saying, “be careful what you wish for?” In my single-minded focus on a big spring bloom, I forgot that with spring, comes spring flooding. (Shudder.)
Given the weather situation this winter, the National Weather Service is already projecting a “high probability” of spring flooding along parts of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. All the snow from the Dakotas, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois and even western Missouri could melt too fast – sending those rivers over their banks. And it isn’t just the snow sitting on the ground. Water that has become trapped in the soil has frozen. Once things start to heat up, the ground will thaw. Mother Nature could create a triple whammy, providing even more moisture by giving us a few ill-timed spring showers. Now my visions of a bright, sunny, and warm spring don’t seem so happy.
Of course, I know if and when there is flooding, the Red Cross will be there. St. Louis survived multiple rounds of spring and summer flooding in 2008, opening multiple shelters and providing for the immediate emergency needs of thousands of people. This is also a good reminder to check my
emergency preparedness kit to make sure I have what I need, should I have to evacuate my home. And as I continue to dream of Spring, I’ll hope for a gradual changing of the seasons.
Katie Nagus is the communication coordinator for the St. Louis Area Chapter.